Los, Angeles-Over 500 students and professionals attended APS' 9th Regional Conference at UCLA this past Saturday, June 28th, 2008. The event, which aimed at instilling a sense of commitment to social service in its participants, was attended by individuals from over 9 states including: Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Illinois, Arizona and California.

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Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Chair of the Board of Equalization Judy Chu, and Antony Solana, President of the For People of Color Organization addressed conference participants and encouraged them to use their profession to serve their communities.

Students also participated in a number of different personal development workshops taught by outstanding community leaders such as Sean Andrade, National Secretary for the Hispanic Bar Association; Francine Kauffman, Head of the Center for Diabetes at the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles; and Dean Campbell, Assistant Graduate Admissions Dean at the University of Southern California. Among the workshops included were: Public Speaking, The Art of Networking, Healthy Living, Preparing for College, Environmental Awareness and Leadership Development.

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After a courtyard lunch, students visited the onsite college fair attended by UCLA Law School, USC School of Public Policy and Planning, University of Arizona, UCLA, and University of Irvine.

Afterwards, conference participants attended career presentations led by renown professionals in a variety of different fields, including: Lupita D. Montoya, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Angel Manzano, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles; Tony Mercado, President of the Hispanic Business Association of Orange County; and Christopher Darbro, IT Director of Signature Creative in Hollywood.

President Abisag Ayala and Vice-President Yobany E. Chacon closed the conference by awarding conference participants for their professional achievements which honored the mission of the organization. APS stood proud as dozens of participants were acknowledged for their pursuit of attaining a higher education and also for being the host of over 500 students and professionals who continue to serve their communities.